9 Best Cars For College Students In 2023 – Affordable & Reliable

If your little one is finally off to college, you understand how hard it is to find the best cars for college students. It is when your kids will finally be adults doing everything independently.

As a parent, you may not be able to handle everything for them, but there are a few things that you can take care of. And buying good college cars is one of them.

A good vehicle deemed ideal for college-going kids should be safe, reliable, easy to handle, practical, and the correct size. If you are tired of asking around and spending hours talking with people to get a suitable ride, we are here to help.

We understand the dilemma parents go to find just the right thing for their kids, like the EssayHub service, which helps your kids in finishing their homework & assignments.

Today, we bring you the nine most loved and highly rated automobiles that will be the best first rides for your college-going child.

We have reviewed each vehicle in detail so you can compare and make an informed decision while discussing it with your kids.

Let us begin.

Top 9 Best Cheap Cars For College Students In 2023

Every driver has different requirements for a vehicle. What might be ideal for you may or may not be ideal for your kid. No matter what you want, affordability and reliability are the main pillars of car buying.

Not everyone can afford to spend a fortune on a vehicle that may or may not last for years. So, looking for a ride that is easy on your pocket and comes with all the basics a car must have is always better.

Here we have the top nine cars for college kids in 2023 that you will not regret buying. Explore each one to find a ride synonymous with the “perfect purchase.”

1. 2023 Kia Forte (MSRP- From $19,690)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $19,690
• Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 to 201 hp
• MPG: 28 City/39 Highway
• Dimensions: 183″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H
• Trims: 4
• Top Speed: 123 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.1 Seconds

The 2023 Kia Forte is a compact car with a high-quality interior, spacious seating, excellent fuel economy, a large cargo hold, and lots of standard & available features. This highly affordable ride is available in four trim levels: LX, LXS, GT-Line, & GT, ranging from $19,690 to $24,390.

2023 Forte comes with two engine options. One is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping 147 hp. The other one is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 201 hp. The engines are paired with continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard.

The fuel economy is excellent, giving you 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. You can visit EPA’s website to learn more. When it comes to the interior, Forte is filled with minimalist design but high-quality materials.

The two rows are spacious enough for comfortable seating. But avoid cars with white interiors as they are hard to maintain, especially for college kids.

The standard 8″ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, & Bluetooth is good for your 18 years old. Lastly, this car is a safe choice as it holds a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

2. 2023 Kia Soul (MSRP: From $19,890)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $19,890
• Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 hp
• MPG: 28 City / 33 Highway
• Dimensions: 165″ L x 71″ W x 63″ H
• Trims: 4
• Top Speed: 120 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.6 to 7.7 seconds

Kia Soul is among the best cars for young adults in 2023. This South Korean car has an affordable base price of $19,890 and is available in four trims ranging up to $24,190.

The upright body of Soul provides a spacious interior with ample cargo space and plenty of legroom for adults, especially in the second row.

This ride has perfect youngster vibes to catch your college buddy’s attention. There are many standard features like keyless entry, heating seats & steering, ambient lighting, & more.

The 2023 Soul comes with only one engine. It is a 2-liter 4-cylinder paired with front-wheel drive and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), producing 147 hp.

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The standard 8″ infotainment system with all the necessary technologies is available, which is excellent for the price. This compact car has a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS, making it safe for everyone.

3. 2023 Nissan Sentra (MSRP: From $20,200)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $20,200
• Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 149 hp
• MPG: Up to 29 city / 39 highway
• Dimensions: 183″ L x 72″ W x 57″ H
• Trims: 3
• Top Speed: 124 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.9 to 9.1 Seconds

The 2023 Nissan Sentra is not only a great car for college but also one of the best cars out of college. This compact car boasts a well-built interior with good space and many standard features.

The seats are comfortable, and the drive is made smoother by many standard driver assistance features. There are three trims: S, SV, & SR, ranging from $20,200 to $23,090. Each trim is powered by a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine paired with CVT and front-wheel drive, producing 149 hp.

There is a 7″ touchscreen display with Apple & Android connectivity, USB access in both rows and physical volume knobs for entertainment.

2023 Sentra has a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS, making it safe for your kid. But to take safety to the next level, we suggest you also look for the best dash cam with night vision in 2023.

4. 2023 Hyundai Elantra (MSRP: $20,950)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $20,950
• Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 to 201 hp
• MPG: 33 City/42 Highway
• Dimensions: 184″ L x 72″ W x 56″ H
• Trims: 4
• Top Speed: 140 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.1 Seconds

For your kid’s safety, you do not have to buy them the slowest car in the world. You simply need a ride that is not too fast but also not so sluggish that they feel like sloths on the road.

Hyundai Elantra is a great compact car of 2023, offering the best in its segment. It is comfortable, enjoyable, lively, and fuel-efficient, offering polished ride & handling.

Hyundai offers four trims with Elantra, namely, SE, SEL, Limited, & N Line, ranging from $20,950 to $27,500. You get two powertrains. The nonhybrid one is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp & 132 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid powertrain comprises of 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor providing 139 hp & 195 lb-ft of torque.

There is an 8″ standard center display with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wifi connection for entertainment.

Also, this car has a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS, making it safe for all kinds of commute. Furthermore, buy your kids some best longest-lasting car air fresheners so their interior is always refreshing.

5. 2023 Toyota Corolla (MSRP: $21,700)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $21,700
• Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 169 hp
• MPG: Up to 32 city / 41 highway (Gasoline)
• Dimensions: 183″ L x 70″ W x 57″ H
• Trims: 3
• Top Speed: 143 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9 Seconds

When it comes to buying safe & reliable cars at affordable rates, no one can beat the Japanese car brands. Corolla is one of the USA’s most popular and best-selling Toyota models.

This model is affordable and comes with features no one would complain about. The 2023 model is a good blend of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. You can take this hatchback where you desire.

You can even purchase tents for hatchback cars for your kids’ outdoor exploration trips. The 2023 Corolla is powered by a 2.0 L 4-cylinder paired with CVT and front-wheel drive, producing 169 hp. This is standard on all three trims. But there is also a hybrid powertrain available.

This ride might not be an exciting drive, but it is highly fuel efficient.

You get 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway with a hybrid powertrain. You can learn more on the EPA’s website. The Corolla hatchback & sedan have soft-touch interior materials and ample seating space. There are several advanced tech & safety features for your comfort.

You get a standard 8″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and many optional features.

Lastly, this ride is filled with plenty of standard driver-assistance technology. Also, it holds an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA.

6. 2023 Hyundai Kona (MSRP: From $22,140)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $22,140
• Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 147 to 195 hp
• MPG: Up to 30 city / 35 highway
• Dimensions: 166″ L x 71″ W x 61-62″ H
• Trims: 4
• Top Speed: 122 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.2 Seconds

If your college-going kid wants the best speakers for bass and sound quality installed in their vehicle, you need to buy a car worth such an investment. The new 2023 Hyundai Kona is a perfect subcompact SUV you can buy for your kid.

It is a practical ride that is fun to drive and has abundant features. You get potent turbocharged engine options, balanced driving dynamics, and many standard driver assistance features.

Its interior is built with quality materials offering comfort & convenience. The only drawback is the cramped rear row and low cargo space.

The four trims are powered by either a 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine producing 147 hp or a turbocharged 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine producing 195 hp.

2023 Kona’s fuel efficiency is suitable for its size but overall is still average compared to its rivals. Your entertainment is handled with a standard 8″ touchscreen with smartphone connectivity & easy usage.

Furthermore, this ride has many driver-assistance features and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Lastly, it is one of the best SUV for college students in 2023.

7. 2023 Mazda3 (MSRP: From $22,550)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $22,550
• Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 191 to 227 hp
• MPG: Up to 28 city / 37 highway
• Dimensions: 176-184″ L x 71″ W x 57″ H
• Trims: 7
• Top Speed: 134 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.7 to 7.5 Seconds

If you are searching for the best car for medical students, there is no great choice than the 2023 Mazda3. This affordable car from this premium automaker is available in sedan & hatchback body styles.

You get two different engines on the model this year. The standard one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with front-wheel drive producing 191 hp.

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The other one is a turbocharged 2.5-liter producing 250 hp. However, this engine is available only on the most expensive trims. Fuel economy with both engines is good and highly acceptable for college-going young adults.

The interior of this Mazda speaks of quality. But the most desirable features are left for the topmost trims in the lineup. No matter which trims you choose, the vehicle will still be comfortable.

You get good entertainment with a standard 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

And you get a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. You can top your car purchase by buying the best car scratch removers to help your kid take better care of their ride.

8. 2023 Ford Maverick (MSRP: From $22,595)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $22,595
• Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.5 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 162 to 250 hp
• MPG: 40 City/33 Highway
• Dimensions: 200″ L x 73″ W x 69″ H
• Trims: 3
• Top Speed: 183 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.1 Seconds

Ford Maverick is one of the best trucks for college students in 2023. If your kid desire cars that start with m and offer easy transportation with ample cargo room, this pickup is the one.

With 2023 Maverick Ford has created a ride that offers immense capabilities at a low price. You get a competent cargo hold, fuel-efficient robust engines, and fun to drive experience.

The interior is stylish, roomy in both rows, and filled with many standard tech & convenient features. 8″ infotainment touchscreen is for your entertainment with Apple & Android connectivity.

The three offered trims come with a hybrid powertrain making this ride efficient from base to top-level trim. In addition, the 2023 Maverick has a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, making it safe.

Furthermore, if your kid is outdoorsy, you can buy the best truck bed tents for their comfortable outing in nature. Also, consider buying the best outdoor storage truck covers to help them better maintain their brand-new ride.

9. 2023 Kia Seltos (MSRP: From $23,340)

Key Features

• MSRP: From $23,340
• Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 146 to 175 hp
• MPG: 29 City/35 Highway
• Dimensions: 172″ L x 71″ W x 64″ H
• Trims: 5
• Top Speed: 116 mph
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 9.9 Seconds

If you are wondering what the best car student should have, an SUV is one of the top choices. 2023 Kia Seltos is another excellent choice for your college-going kid, as it offers a great interior and good cargo hold for such a small SUV.

The composed ride & handling makes it easy to steer on the road even when it is filled with heavy luggage. There are two engine options in Seltos. One is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 146 hp, and the other is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder pumping 175 hp.

The overall fuel economy of the vehicle is good. When it comes to interior quality, you will not be disappointed. It is refined and comes with standard ambient lighting.

The more features you desire, the more you will pay. All five trims have a standard infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration. Lastly, this ride has a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, making it safe for everyone.

Things To Consider While Buying The Best SUV For College Students

Cars are among the hefty purchases. For many people, they are a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Thus, you can not take such a big decision lightly, especially when your child is involved.

As elders, you sure have your knowledge & preference for cars. Still, you must recognize that you will not be driving this particular purchase.

So, buying a car for a full-grown adult or yourself is quite different from buying a car for your kid entering a new life phase.

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To ensure you do not make any mistakes while making the purchase, there are a few things that you must consider. Below is a list of such important factors to give you a better idea of the situation.

– Size

The size of the vehicle is significant. Young drivers are always having fun while accompanied by their friends. So it is understandable you look for a ride that is neither too big nor too small.

College is the place and time where your child will be eager to explore the world, and frequent travel will surely be a thing. Thus, you will need to look for a car with good cargo space to hold onto all the travel gear of your kid and their buddies.

– Safety Features

Safety is the biggest concern while driving. We are sure you don’t want to buy a vehicle that can ensure your safety. A good this is that today almost every other car is equipped with the top standard and advanced safety features.

If you are looking for a brand-new car, it is easy to get all those features. But you may have to dig deeper if you are looking for something worth it in the used cars market.

Never compromise on safety over any other feature. Your safety or your kids’ safety is the priority, and you must not lose it.

– Fuel Efficiency

Parents buy their kids automobiles all the time. But not everyone can support their kids with the ride’s everyday expenses and upkeeps.

In other words, your kid will be liable for paying for its fuel and other necessities. Also, when in college, your kid will drive way more often than you allow them at home.

So, buy a ride that is fuel efficient and does not strain your kid. Fuel efficiency should be a priority even if you (the parent) will pay for the fuel.

– Price

Because your kid is off to college, you do not have to go overboard with the purchase. There is no need to go for high-end European car brands to make them happy. Instead, go for a ride that comes in a price range acceptable to you.

The best thing will be for you to set up a budget and find something feasible & sophisticated and that serves the purpose.

– Reviews

Before finalizing any vehicle, look it up online. Look for online customer reviews and determine if a car is worth buying. You can find the best cheap cars for college students in your city with proper research.

– Test Drive

Things are not always what they seem. A car can look breathtaking from the outside but can be a total letdown while driving. So whether you are a college student buying a car for yourself or a parent buying a vehicle for their college-going child, test drive first.

It is better if you take multiple drives to be sure. If you or your kid doesn’t like the driving experience, that car is not the one.

Top FAQs About Best Cars For Young Adults

Conclusion

College is the new beginning for the kids. So if you want to wish them good luck on this new journey, buying the best cars for college students is the one way to do it.

A car is a necessity that any college student will appreciate. Our list of best cars for college students in 2023 can help you greatly on your big purchase.